An Energetic Compromise

The House votes thumbs up on a comprehensive energy bill

THE ENERGY BILL APPROVED BY THE HOUSE LAST week had something for everyone to hate. Conservationists didn't like the streamlined rules for approving new nuclear power plants, or the absence of stricter fuel-economy standards for cars. Conservatives were bugged by the banning until 2002 of new offshore oil drilling along most of the U.S. coast. But there was something for every interest group to love as well, and while nobody was entirely satisfied with the patchwork that finally emerged from committee, the legislation sailed through in the end.

Environmentalists probably had the most to celebrate. The House bill not only bars...